Battle Bots & Sewing

Avery was invited to attend a STEAM camp at Creighton Prep.  He walked in the first day knowing nothing about the camp.  After finding out the boys would be working with a Raspberry Pi, designing and creating a box on wheels, and then putting together their design to create a moving vehicle, he was excited but nervous.  Most of the boys attending camp had lots of experience with coding and programming, Avery had very little experience.  By the end of the week he still felt unsure of himself, and it was apparent the other boys had better working final projects, however, Avery walked away knowing so much more than he had a few days earlier.  He loves the show Battle Bots and after this camp is one step closer to his secret goal of creating his own competing Battle Bot someday.

While Avery was at STEAM camp. The girls were at sewing camp with Oma.  They both created cute outfits that they are excited to enter into the fair.  Audrey made a pair of flannel pajama pants last year  that quickly became her favorite pj's during the past winter months.  Two years ago Amelia made a cute little jumper that she still wears today.  I love that the girls get to spend time with Oma, learning a practical skill, and making something they can use!

(ADD PICTURES)     

Memorial Day

On Memorial Day we headed back to the farm for some outdoor fun.  Dad and Shane dragged out the old volleyball net and mini volleyball tournament was soon in play.  Avery went swamping and found a small batch of crayfish (who knew) and many tadpoles of varying sizes.  Avery also relocated our friendly little tree frogs and gladly introduced Aggie to his buddies.  As a weekend bonus we spotted a snapping turtle on the road and nudged him safely over to the side.  It was a bit wet from a recent rain, but not wet enough to keep the kid from taking the 4-wheeler around the section.  It was a weekend of family togetherness and a great way to welcome summer.    

Mimi's Birthday

The kids were so excited that Mimi would be in Omaha for her birthday.  They made a yummy cake, created a few gifts, and happily celebrated with this special lady.    

Sports

For the past year sports have totally consumed our lives.  I haven't blogged about it because, while I like sports, I am utterly disappointed at what the face of youth sports has become in American today.  As parents, I think we want to give our children the best opportunity to play in high school, if so desired, however, at what expense.  I am at odds with the whole system, the keeping up with the Jones, and the participating out of fear of falling behind mentality.  Sadly, because I feel so strongly about these negative ideas I have failed to capture a plethora of sporting moments on camera.  This is my poor attempt to wrap up the sporting season and pledge to try harder next year at capturing more sporting moments for the blog.     

 With that being said, we did have positive experiences on the soccer field, basketball court, and volleyball court.  Avery's soccer coach, Coach Leboo is a class act, and will be missed, as Avery moves up this coming season.  Audrey also had a wonderful soccer coach and learned a ton while playing under his tutelage.

Avery has grown a fair amount in basketball this past year and made his team of choice for the summer season.  Amelia also made progress in basketball, but will only be pursuing volleyball this coming year.  At the moment, volleyball seems to be a kinder sport, and more to Amelia's liking.  Audrey, in true form, liked everything, and plans on playing everything next year.     

     

Mother's Day

On mother's day I celebrated with my own mama on the farm.  Below you will find 4 generations of Bures women.  Seeming time projected in a picture like this is very humbling, as is the job of motherhood.  I am blessed beyond measure to be surrounded by these individuals.    

Spring Round -Up

1.  Amelia spent the entire spring semester of school practicing for a middle school play, The Canterbury Tales.  It was definitely a time commitment, but Amelia truly enjoyed being part of this endeavor. She was the Parson and did a wonderful job of projecting on stage!  I hope to see her on stage for future productions.  

2.  Audrey participated in Pioneer Day at school.  Amelia helped her  put together a pioneerish looking outfit with random things from their closet.  I almost bought Audrey a costume from Etsy, but the girls had so much fun putting together this little number, I decided to forgo the fancy version for their more creative version.  Audrey most enjoyed making candles at pioneer day.

3.  It was a challenge pushing through the spring semester scholastically speaking.  Everyone, including me, just wanted summer vacation to arrive, and it wasn't coming fast enough.  However, for the most part, we checked the boxes and completed the things that needed to be done.  Avery is most proud that he completed Latin I and achieved a silver medal, one point shy of achieving a gold medal, on the National Latin Exam.  Amelia is most proud that she finished Saxon Math and is mostly done with Latin for Child C.  Audrey is most proud that she completed all her math times tables and almost made it all the way through the division tables.  

4.  All the kids participated in piano competitions this past semester.  In our most recent competition everyone achieved the highest rating and received medals, which makes them eligible for an upcoming fall competition.

5.  Avery had a shadow day at an all boys school in town, Mount Michael.  When I dropped him off I felt like I was watching him walk to kindergarten. On the same day Shane had a job interview.  

6.  Life is too short to not have fun, and although there are some who might snicker at the picture below, I found it rather humorous.  Folding laundry is not exactly fun, but when you have a pair of extremely aged underwear and three goofy kiddos this is sometimes what you get.    

7. Aggie loves to be in the thick of things with her siblings.  She is happiest doing what they are doing and being included.